I have been running for a couple of years now and recently broke out a new pair of Asics Nimbus. I have started to have troubles (pain) with the outside of my little toe. I compared my new shoes with my old Nimbus and noticed that the flex portion (in the Kayano it is called the Biomorphic fit technology) of the outside top of the shoe is positioned further back than it was the previous year. I believe lack of this flex material is creating the pressure on my toe. Do you have any recommendations of other styles that would have a similar cut to previous years? Kayano maybe? I am a larger runner 165 to 170 lbs @ 5’10" and do not pronate or suponate heavily so I dont think I really need a motion control shoe. Thanks in advance for your help.
I’m not Shawn but if you want to stick with Asics your best bet would just be to try on the other nuetral shoes in their line. I doubt that anyone out there can really reccomend which shoe will fit just based on your description. But, after saying that, try the Cumulus as it has a very soft and stretchy mesh upper. You will go through them fairly fast as they aren’t quite as durable as the Nimbus but at 30% cheaper or so, 30% less life might not be too bad:)
Asics Nuetral and my quick takes on them:
Kinsei-concept shoe, top of the line, ultra cushioned heel, a bit firmer in the forefoot, narrow heel, wide up front
Nimbus-super cushioned shoe, soft ride, made for the heavier runner, beefy upper
Fortitude-A bit firmer, wider base, most stable, runs very wide and short
Cumulus-Soft shoe, soft stretchy upper, not very stable in part due to the upper
Laundreth-faster feeling soft training shoe, very similar to 2100 series, fairly narrow
What Tai said.
I believe that ASICS changed the biomorphic material (back, and in a different shape) to give a better fit for most runners. This improvement, as it seems, was no improvement for you.
I wouldn’t recommend the Kayano if you do not pronate (even though the update is a great, comfortable shoe). You may be able to find an older Nimbus (I believe I will be getting some in this week), but you may also find the Kinsei to fit well, or the Landreth or Cumulus (lower pricepoint and cushioning, but still good shoes).
If you’re venturing outside of ASICS I’d have you try on a Saucony Triumph, I think the latest model is great, and general fits wider in the toebox. Other possibilities would be the Brooks Glycerin, or the Mizuno Creation.
Of course, all of these are great shoes, but if they don’t fit, it doesn’t matter.
The Mizuno Wave Creation or even Rider may be an alternative shoe to try, but I know how you Asics loyalists are 
.
Move to mizuno if you are starting a new career as a baby seal clubber. Get an old version of the nimbus on the net if you want to keep a clean soul, and uninjured feet/legs.
"if you want to keep a clean soul, and uninjured feet/legs. "
I tryed the dark side once.
But now I am back.
Thom
Shawn or Tai,
Not to hijack the thread but what would be the best neutral shoe(deepest?) in Asics line-up for the custom inserts?
Thanks.
I like the Landreth with my orthotics. However, if you’re looking for a shoe with more volume (deep) to accomodate an orthotic, then you might want to try the Nimbus.
those damn mizunos can be persuasive, but when the miles add up they always left me wanting. Nothing but Nimbus for me!
Huh? Asics are great shoes, but so are Mizuno’s. Hard pressed to find a single bad shoe in their lineup and they have a category leader in virtually every category there is.
For the past few years I’ve been a faithful Kayano guy, but for some reason decided to try Mizuno. During the couple months I wore them I started having ankle pain. I switched back, but with no avail. It got serious enough that I ended up having surgery last week to fix some ligament damage. I know, I know, it was not the evil Mizunos that did this to me… most likely just a coincidence, but now I’m a little paranoid. I am a fan of asics, but now have orthotics and may not need the MC of the Kayano. I am however sticking with Asics.